Boston Marijuana Rally Marred by Arrests

Police at an annual Boston Freedom Rally arrested six people earlier this week for openly smoking marijuana.

The demonstration was being held to campaign for a motion called Question 2, which would replace criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a fine of no more than $100.

It was supported by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the <i>Boston Herald</i> reports.

Both groups argue that the law would reduce pressure on the criminal justice system.

However, police were forced to step in when participants began smoking the drug.

“People have the right to free expression, but it’s another thing to smoke marijuana, which is an illegal narcotic, during the protest,” James Kenneally, Boston Police Department spokesman, said.

Critics argue that the proposed amendments to the law would cause an increase in drug abuse among young people.

Marijuana laws differ in every state, but buying, selling, using or growing the drug is illegal across the U.S.

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